Table for Two

Super fresh seafood, all year long

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Jordan Lobster Farms
1 Pettit Place, Island Park
(516) 806-6251
www.jordanlobsterfarms.com

In recent years, Jordan Lobster Farms has evolved into a dining spot and a source for take-home seafood that is clearly much more than a summer go-to. Sure, warm weather still means feasting al fresco at their waterfront Lobster Bar, or ordering seafood from an awning-shrouded window. But, after recovering from Hurricane Sandy, Steven Jordan rebuilt and added a beautiful inside addition — a cozy, nautically-themed restaurant beyond the large yet quaint New England style market.

Jordan is the son of Bill Jordan, Sr., who opened his first shop in 1938 on Bleeker Street, moved on to the Fulton Fish Market, and in 1974, opened in Island Park. Steven has since taken over, and the business has grown to include restaurants, catering, wholesale, retail and take-out, featuring the freshest of everything from the sea. Jordan’s inventory includes more than 30,000 pounds of Maine and Canadian lobsters, which can be ordered by size, from one to 10 pounds. In addition to a vast selection of seafood (cooked, uncooked, fresh, frozen), the market sells homemade soups, salads and sauces, plus nautical novelties and gifts.

Dining is casual, with paper plates, menu placemats, and indulgent servers who make you feel like family. We warmed up with creamy Lobster Bisque sided with crackers. Cold Seafood Salad was a mix of scungilli, calamari, shrimp, red peppers and onions tossed in vinaigrette. This salad and any other you can have on a sandwich (lobster roll, shrimp salad, etc.) are top notch, ultra-fresh, and can be purchased by the pound in the market.

Both the Lobster Cake and Crab Cake were very meaty, little if no filler – two patties per platter, served with coleslaw and fries. Pistachio Crusted Chilean Sea Bass was moist and amazing; select two sides with any grilled fish. Lobster Mac & Cheese, prepared perfectly, is the ultimate lobster lover’s comfort food. And of course, you’ll never go wrong with a lobster dinner — a whole lobster, corn on the cob, coleslaw, fries, lemon and butter. With coffee we enjoyed a Key Lime Tart, light and tangy.

Wine and beer are served in the restaurant. Landlubber choices include burgers, franks, chicken and specials. Keep in mind that seafood cost changes with the market, so pricing mentioned here might vary. Appetizers, soups, salads and on the shell items are $3.95 to $21.95. Maine choices — lobster rolls, crab cakes, platters, and sandwiches, all served with fries — are $9.95 to $23.95. Pasta with seafood is $18.95 to $21.95. Grilled fish specials can be found on the blackboard.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, and longer during summer. Parties for up to 45 guests can be arranged at the restaurant. Leave your email address to receive coupons. For current specials, text “Lobster” (no quotes) to 313131.

Everything you need to know about lobsters, including cooking instruction, the advantages and disadvantages of each preparation, plus amazing seafood recipes, can be found on the Jordan Lobster Farms website: www.jordanlobsterfarms.com.

Recommendations:
■ Lobster Bisque
■ Cold Seafood Salad
■ Shrimp Salad Sandwich
■ Maine Lobster Roll
■ Pistachio Crusted Chilean Sea Bass
■ Lobster Cake Platter
■ Crab Cake Platter
■ Lobster Mac & Cheese
■ Lobster Dinner
■ Key Lime Tart